Kyrgios wants Fast 4 to be included on tour

TENNIS: Australian star Nick Kyrgios has called for the popular Fast 4 Tennis format to be included on the ATP Tour.

In the lead-up to Monday's Fast 4 extravaganza at Sydney's new convention centre in Darling Harbour, Kyrgios says the concept wouldn't look out of place as a lead-up event on the main circuit.

"I certainly wouldn't be against it,” Kyrgios said. "Perhaps there is space for events between ATP 250s and Challengers where it can be used as a testing ground, or even at the new under-21 event next year?

"Most people coming into the game in Australia will have played Fast 4 first and grown up playing it, and if we keep producing players at the top level that will strengthen the voice to make it happen.”

Kyrgios will team up with fellow Australian Bernard Tomic for an entertaining night of Fast 4 entertainment.

The Canberra-born right-hander will take on Spanish star Rafael Nadal, before Tomic faces Japanese world No.5 Kei Nishikori.

Kyrgios says Sydney fans will see why he believes the Fast 4 concept should be played in the lead-up to other majors around the world.

"Fast 4 is great because it allows you get to look at some of your main competitors prior to the major event, but you're not playing full matches and running the risk of injury,” he said.

"It's something different to what we usually face on tour; it brings the pressure points or big points earlier, which is fun to play but also fun to watch for the crowd.

"As it says on the tin, it's fast and exciting.

"Aside from that, it's another showcase to have people come along and watch and talk about and surely that's only a good thing for tennis.”